The Brazilian featherweight said he’s at 90 percent of his abilities and anticipates a return in May or June.

“I still have a little bit of pain, but I’m improving day by day,” Diaz told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).

Of course, he’ll have to convince Mendes to make a quick turnaround. The American is set to meet Manny Gamburyan at UFC 157, which takes place Feb. 23 in Anaheim, Calif.

Dias was replaced at UFC on FX 6 by newcomer Yaotzin Meza, who was knocked out by Mendes in the first round of the preliminary-card bout, which served on the preliminary-card of the Dec. 14 event in Gold Coast, Australia.

Dias said he strained a shoulder ligament in his final training session for the fight and was forced to rest for a month before undergoing physical therapy. He managed to avoid surgery, however.

The 28-year-old fighter, who found MMA through his cousin, Bellator fighter Marlon Sandro, made his octagon debut this past June at UFC 147, where he outpointed fellow Brazilian Yuri Alcantara. The decision extended his current win streak to nine straight fights.

Since losing a bid for Jose Aldo’s featherweight title, Mendes rebounded with a KO of Cody McKenzie and Meza.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie.com Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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